*Self-Study courses from NASW-TX are accessible for 30 days from the purchase date. You must complete the course within that timeframe to receive your CEUs.

*Please check with the regulatory board in the state(s) where you are licensed to ensure this course meets continuing education requirements.

Background

Sexual abuse is a pervasive trauma that transcends socio-economic and racial boundaries, impacting individuals across diverse demographics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights alarming statistics, revealing that more than half of women and one in three men experience sexual violence at some point in their lives. Similarly, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that an American falls victim to sexual assault every 68 seconds.

Sexual assault is often the impetus for therapy whether it’s immediately following an incident or years later, when the enduring effects of trauma have become deeply entrenched.

Many clinicians find themselves inadequately equipped or apprehensive about addressing such complex trauma. Consequently, due to a lack of specialized training or apprehension regarding navigating the systems involved, clinicians may opt to refer these cases to other practitioners, potentially disrupting the continuity of care and impeding the healing journey of survivors.

Course Objectives

This training was created to provide social workers with insight into the intricate dynamics of the systems surrounding the client, the familial dynamics influencing their experiences, and the multifaceted factors complicating treatment. Additionally, various theoretical approaches applicable to both children and adults will be explored.

By the conclusion of the program, attendees can expect to enhance their understanding of systemic influences, treatment modalities, methods for mitigating secondary trauma, and ideally, develop a newfound confidence in conducting trauma-informed work with individuals impacted by sexual assault or abuse.

Topics Covered

Sexual abuse definition

Statistics 

Dynamics of grooming, secrecy, denial

Signs and symptoms

Laws and reporting

Definitions of abuse in family and criminal law, what and how to report

Working with District Attorneys, advocacy centers, DFPS, and law enforcement

Required documentation  

Treatment goals

Strategies for building rapport

Case conceptualization

History-taking guidelines

Strategies for staying in the Window of Tolerance

Complicating factors in treatment

Theoretical approaches: trauma-focused CBT, Polyvagal Theory, EMDR/Adaptive Information Processing Theory, expressive therapies

Avoiding secondary trauma and practicing self-care

SUPPORT:

• Trouble registering for an event? Contact InReach Tech Support at the contact information at the bottom of this page.
• Can’t log in to your NASW Member account? Contact NASW Member Services at 800-742-4089 or membership@socialworkers.org.